Vipaka Sutta

Results

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

For free distribution only

"Monks, the taking of life -- when indulged in, developed, and pursued
-- is something that leads to hell, leads to rebirth as a common animal, leads
to the realm of the hungry shades. The slightest of all the results coming from
the taking of life is that, when one becomes a human being, it leads to a short
life span.

"Stealing -- when indulged in, developed, and pursued -- is something
that leads to hell, leads to rebirth as a common animal, leads to the realm of
the hungry shades. The slightest of all the results coming from stealing is
that, when one becomes a human being, it leads to the loss of one's wealth.

"Illicit sexual behavior -- when indulged in, developed, and pursued --
is something that leads to hell, leads to rebirth as a common animal, leads to
the realm of the hungry shades. The slightest of all the results coming from
illicit sexual behavior is that, when one becomes a human being, it leads to
rivalry and revenge.

"Telling falsehoods -- when indulged in, developed, and pursued -- is
something that leads to hell, leads to rebirth as a common animal, leads to the
realm of the hungry shades. The slightest of all the results coming from telling
falsehoods is that, when one becomes a human being, it leads to being falsely
accused.

"Divisive tale-bearing -- when indulged in, developed, and pursued -- is
something that leads to hell, leads to rebirth as a common animal, leads to the
realm of the hungry shades. The slightest of all the results coming from
divisive tale bearing is that, when one becomes a human being, it leads to the
breaking of one's friendships.

"Harsh speech -- when indulged in, developed, and pursued -- is
something that leads to hell, leads to rebirth as a common animal, leads to the
realm of the hungry shades. The slightest of all the results coming from harsh
speech is that, when one becomes a human being, it leads to unappealing sounds.

"Frivolous chattering -- when indulged in, developed, and pursued -- is
something that leads to hell, leads to rebirth as a common animal, leads to the
realm of the hungry shades. The slightest of all the results coming from
frivolous chattering is that, when one becomes a human being, it leads to words
that aren't worth taking to heart.

"The drinking of fermented and distilled liquors -- when indulged in,
developed, and pursued -- is something that leads to hell, leads to rebirth as a
common animal, leads to the realm of the hungry shades. The slightest of all the
results coming from drinking fermented and distilled liquors is that, when one
becomes a human being, it leads to mental derangement."